Getting out of jail or prison
What to do first
- Get an ID. Start with a birth certificate and a Social Security card if you need them.
- Apply for Medicaid. You can apply any time of year.
- Apply for food benefits.
- If you got SSI or disability benefits before, call Social Security to start them again.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
Getting out of jail or prison lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days after release.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from the District of Columbia
District of Columbia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Non-Driver Identification Cards
DC DMV issues identification cards to residents who need photo identification but do not drive.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Licenses
DC DMV issues driver licenses to eligible District residents.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Department of Health
Vital Records
DC Vital Records maintains birth and death records and provides eligible people with certified copies.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Health Care Finance
District of Columbia Medicaid
DC Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible residents buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Human Services
Homelessness Prevention and Diversion
These services help residents avoid shelter or move from shelter toward permanent housing.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Department of Human Services
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
ERAP helps eligible residents with rent arrears or costs for a security deposit and first month's rent.
Ways to apply:Phone
Department of Behavioral Health
Public Behavioral Health Services
DBH oversees mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and support services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SSA.gov
Starting Social Security again
SSI and disability payments stop while someone is held in jail or prison. After release, contact Social Security to ask about starting them again.
CareerOneStop.org
Help finding work
CareerOneStop, from the U.S. Department of Labor, has job help for people with a record, including American Job Centers near you.
Social Security Administration
Replace a Social Security card
Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Request it online with a my Social Security account, or visit or call Social Security. It is always free.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Answers, Please
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988